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Monday, October 3, 2016

CelebrateLit Blog Hop with Tina Rice for Roseanna M. White


A Lady Unrivaled 
#3 Ladies of the Manor Series
(Bethany House)

Reviewed by Tina St. Clair Rice

Five Stars ***** 

A Lady Unrivaled is book three in the Ladies of the Manor Series. Set in 1913 England, The Cotswolds, Ralin Castle where Lady Ella Myerston is visiting her good friend Brook—Duchess of Stafford. Ella has very specific reasons for visiting Brook and is determined to keep her reasons to herself...for now. She had me chuckling when she was sneaking around the castle to get to the massive library (oh, what a library it is!) unnoticed. Now why would she want to get to the library unnoticed? What was she sneaking around for—I am not saying? 

I love Ella's heart—full of love for her family, friends and God—overflowing on all she does, her optimism in all situations, gentleness and grace, loving and compassionate, joyfulness, ready smile and laughter, brave and oh so mischievous. I think her optimism and smiles bothered some, which may be why she is thought to be unaware of what is going on around her. However, she has chosen to find joy in all things and is far more aware of things than others realize. She is also determined to keep those she loves out of danger and from more tragedy—a danger that seems to follow the mysterious gems the “fire eyes”. 

Oh so handsome James Azerly—Earl of Cayton lives not far from Ralin Castle with his nine month old daughter, Lady Adelaide—or Addie. Addie is a precious little girl that captures the hearts of those around her—she certainly captured mine. James is a complex man, his past is not one he is proud of. However he is a changed man after giving his heart and life to Jesus, he—with God's help—has changed his way of life to a godly one, but his past won't let him be and he has questions. I appreciate that we can see how he struggles with the “old” man he once was and the “new” man he is now. I love his heart, integrity, love and devotion to his daughter. I especially love the interaction between Ella and James!

It was great to revisit many of the characters I fell in love with in the first two books and learn of their lives since then. Plots get more dangerous with even more daring attempts to obtain the mysterious “fire eyes”. I had my suspicions as to who actually was responsible for the evil lurking about, the escalating dangerous situations Ella, James and their loved ones found themselves in. Certain characters are not who they appear to be, to their own advantage of course. Surprise developments in the storyline, twists and turns, and unexpected dangers kept me reading—holding my breath at times, just one more chapter and then another chapter. At certain parts of the story I found myself laughing and crying at others. I appreciate the inspirational elements woven throughout the story—learning to trust ones-self and God, redemption, intrigue, forgiveness, joy, suspense, danger, love, betrayal, faith and a surprising ending. The descriptions of the era are such that I could envision the country-side, castles, walking alongside Ella as she strolls in the woods and the clothing—I felt as if I walked among the characters. I appreciate the list of characters and their relationships in the front of the book. A Lady Unrivaled is a gripping, heartwarming story that will stay with the reader—this reader at least—long after the last page.

~I received a copy of A Lady Unrivaled from the publisher, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~


 a complete set of the Ladies of the Manor series,
including A Lady Unrivaled, and a tin of Prince of Wales tea, 
straight from HRH Prince Charles's Highgrove Shop in Tetbury, England!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Stops

September 22: 100 pages per hour
September 22: Smiling Book Reviews
September 23: Book by Book
September 23: Bibliophile Reviews
September 24: bigreadersite
September 24: Jeanette’s Thoughts
September 25: The Power of Words
September 25: Pause for Tales
September 26: Reading Is My SuperPower
September 26: Faithfully Bookish
September 27: Back  Porch Reads
September 28: cherylbbookblog
September 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
September 29: Blossoms and Blessings
September 29: Heidi Reads…
September 30: The Scribbler
September 30: Karen’s Krayons
October 3: Colonial Quills
October 3: Blogging With Carol
October 5: Books and Beverages

13 comments:

  1. This one sounds just as good as the other two. I've only read the first one. Waiting for the library to get book 2 in. Can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a fantastic book Beverly. Be sure to enter in the
      Rafflecopter link above for a chance to win a copy plus other great prizes.
      Blessings,Tina

      Delete
  2. Hi Mrs. Tina!
    I have read The Culper Ring series but so far only the first book, The Lost Heiress, in this Ladies of the Manor series. Would like books 2 and 3 and have signed up through Rafflecopter. Thank you for your review. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kathleen. This is a fantastic book! Hope you get to read it soon.
      Blessings,Tina

      Delete
  3. I entered! This it on my to read list!! Plus I love tea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great Amy! Wishing you all the best in the contest. I like tea too and I am sure this tea is delicious.
      Blessings,Tina

      Delete
  4. I've read the first two and have the third on the top of my books to read. So maybe in a few days. Can't wait.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it a great series Marguerite? Thanks for stopping in.
      Blessings,Tina

      Delete
  5. I would love to win this but sure hoping if I do its going to come in paperback because I don't own a reader..
    @tisonlyme143

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wishing you all the best on the contest. (I think it is a paperback but not sure). Thank you for stopping in.
      Blessings,Tina

      Delete
  6. I'm going to have to binge all three someday because I'm waaaay behind! Congratulations Roseanna!
    Thanks Tina!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a great series. Wishing you the best on the contest.
      Thank you for stopping in.
      Blessings,Tina

      Delete

Thanks for commenting, please check back for our replies!